Undetected leaks can rack up your water bill and cause serious property damage over time. Learn how to spot the warning signs so you can call in a plumber early and nip a water leak in the bud.
Start by checking your water meter and recording the number. Turn off all the faucets and appliances such as dishwashers and washing machines, then wait two hours before testing again. If the number has changed, you may have a slow leak.
Look for Water Stains
If you notice dark spots or streaks on your walls, floors, or ceilings, this could be a sign of water damage due to undetected leaks. Look for discoloration in the paint or wallpaper, as well as bubbling, sagging, or warping of the wood that supports it. If the area is also damp and musty, it could indicate a hidden leak or plumbing problems.
Other warning signs to watch for include unexplained spikes in your water bill or higher-than-normal water usage numbers. Excess moisture encourages mold and mildew growth, which can lead to a musty odor in your home.
If you suspect you have a leak, turn off all your water appliances and check your water meter. The meter is located in your front yard next to the curb. It has a digital readout that shows how much water you use during a given time period. An unexplained increase in your usage number indicates that you have a leak somewhere in your home.
Check Your Water Meter
A water leak in your home can lead to a huge increase in your water bill and can also cause significant property damage. One of the first places you should check if you suspect you have a leak is your water meter. Make sure everybody in your home is aware that you are going to be checking the meter and make sure that no one uses any water at all during this time.
Next, shut off all of the taps in your home and any appliances that use water such as washing machines and dishwashers. Now walk around your house and listen out for any dripping or hissing sounds that may indicate you have a leak. Once you have done this, go outside and locate your water meter and make note of the current reading. Wait about an hour and then check the meter again. If the number has changed, you likely have a leak.
Look for Wet Spots Around the Property
If you notice puddles on the ground that shouldn’t be there, this is another sign of a leak. Be sure to check the areas around all of your plumbing fixtures as well, including bathtubs and showers, sinks, dishwashers, water heaters, and laundry appliances.
Other signs of a leak include unexplained humidity and musty odors that indicate mold. If you notice mold, this is a good time to call in a plumber as it often indicates a leak that has gone undetected for some time.
Detecting a water leak in your home is important as it can cause damage to your property and lead to higher bills for you. The best way to find a leak is by doing a visual inspection and by checking the water meter. However, if you can’t find the source of a leak, it is always best to call a plumber who will have access to more
advanced leak detection equipment that is not available to the general public.
Call a Plumber
Water leaks, if left unchecked, can burn holes in homeowners’ pockets and cause major damage to homes and property. The best way to nip these problems in the bud is to call a plumber to perform leak detection. They’ll use a variety of tools to locate and diagnose the problem.
You can also do your part by learning to spot the warning signs of leaks around your home. Be sure to regularly check your water meter, look for puddles behind sinks and in the basement and under washing machines, and make it a point to do regular walkthroughs of your home and property. By spotting these problems early, you’ll avoid much more expensive plumbing repair and save our precious water resources. Call a plumber today to schedule an inspection. With appliance warranty plans, you can be certain that your leak from an appliance be taken care of quickly and reduce the sticker shock of a repair cost.
